Grief at Christmas

Christmas can be a challenge in so many ways, think about reaching out and checking in with others affected by death and/or grief.

Ways to help a grieving friend at Christmas | Help 2 Make Sense – This article gives some advice from a support worker at Winston’s Wish and some of the youth team who have shared what would have helped them during the festive season….

Acknowledge that this time of year can be difficult
Ask them if they want to talk about their grief or not
Check in with their wellbeing and offer support
It will feel different around Christmas without the loved one around, but it is okay to have ups and downs during this time.
Let them know they don’t need to send a long reply, just a simple ‘ok’ or emoji
Talk about their person if they want to
Reassure them it’s okay to cancel or change plans
Be there and/or listen
Get help – Winston’s Wish are here to help! We offer one-to-one and group grief support sessions. We also have lots of online resources and a Helpline, email and live chat service where you can talk to bereavement professionals. You can call us on 08088 020 021 (open 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday), email ask@winstonswish.org or use our live chat (open 3-8pm, Monday to Friday) and find out more on our Get Support page. If you need urgent support in a crisis, you can contact the 24/7 Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger by texting WW to 85258.

Grieving at Christmas | Advice and Support | Winston’s Wish (winstonswish.org)

Tips on coping with grief at Christmas from other grieving young people | Help 2 Make Sense

How to manage your grief during the Christmas season | Help 2 Make Sense

Additional links:

For details on organisations and community support for those who are bereaved in the Dudley borough, and for tips and advice on how to handle someone dying and how to deal with your grief, go to the lets-get bereavement pages.